Dawn was now approaching as Murtagh raced past the castle walls. He had a mission of his own after all, and was not going to fail. Murtagh had promised himself long ago that he would protect the man who had practically raised him. He started panting, gasping for breath and knew imminently he would need to stop soon; but he had to go on! He just had to, Tornac was counting on him!
Murtagh had promised that he would collect the old man if he ever managed to escape. Last night, before he left for the outskirts of the city, Murtagh had sent a message telling Tornac to be ready at dawn. He had also told the man to meet him by the west gates as that was where fewer guards were posted. Now, Murtagh had to keep his end of the promise. Quickly, Murtagh peered over the edge of the city, making sure he was not seen.
The two horses, as requested, were posted in the shadow of the twenty foot wall. Murtagh's young colt, which had been named after the man who had given it to him, was standing in front of the pale appaloosa. She stood with her speckled rear toward the wall, waiting for the men to escape.
Quietly, Murtagh gave a faint whistle, only heard by the two sensitive equine. Their heads turned in his direction, awaiting commands. Tornac, and soon the filly, tottered in his direction. They were both excited, Murtagh noted to himself. Maybe they just want to get away from the Mad King. That was what he wanted to do!
As soon as Tornac reached Murtagh, the young man was poised in his saddle, bending down to place his feet in the stirrups. After he was ready, both man and horse turned as one toward the west gates. As an afterthought, though, Murtagh gripped the bridle of the filly, pulling her with him. Unlike Percy, he could not communicate with the horse.
This thought turned the teen's mind to the shy, yet defiant young man. He was loyal, almost to a fault. In these days, that was not good, especially with a man like the King was in power. But that also meant he would never betray his friends. That was the good part. Murtagh had grown with the King taking care of him as his father was never there. He had even explained about how his father had been killed by a man named Brom. Because of this, Murtagh liked the man. Morzan had been abusive and cruel. Murtagh had been pleased to know that he would not harm him anymore.
But Percy was different than anyone is Alagaƫsia. Even his name sounded wrong, like it was not from here. But Murtagh knew that was not possible. There was no way to travel between worlds. It was impossible. Then again, so was the idea that dragons and humans could live together and communicate. It was the same with horses. But Percy proved all theories around him wrong around every turn.
Everything about Percy seemed to be wrong. He just was not natural. But those thoughts did not stop Murtagh from believing in Percy. Truth seemed to radiate from him, like Murtagh had thought before; he was loyal to a fault. And that fault would most likely be the end of the world. Murtagh grinned as he thought of Percy letting the world end just because a friend was hurt. That would never happen. Everyone knew that some things took first before others. No, he would not let the world end for a friend, he couldn't...
By now, Murtagh had arrived at the west gates, still staying hidden in shadow. Just above him hiding under a platform by a nice looking house, was Tornac. His light grey hair fell in long waves, enclosing his eyes. They were a bright and deep shade of green, almost the vivid color of leaves. Tornac stood, watching Murtagh approach calmly, knowing that soon he would be out of that dreadful town and in the wild, where he belonged. Looking at the horse connected to the boy's hand, Tornac started. It was the horse that had run away all those years ago. Or else it was her filly. Just the graceful way that the girl moved, Tornac knew.
The filly saw the old man in shadows and nickered. She knew him almost as well as he knew her. The filly's mother had often told of the man who let her go, freed her from the pressure of the brooding stables. The filly was forever indebted to him because of this.
Murtagh grinned from the colt under him his hair falling in his eyes. Almost silently, apart from the plop, plop of the two sets of hooves, the trio walked toward Tornac. The two men were so ready to get out of this town, this city, this life. They had been beaten and threatened enough form the travelers who visited the town for living in the Castle with as much food as they could eat, while everyone else starved outside the walls of the Palace. It was not fair, and Murtagh knew and agreed with it. He did not deserve the life he had.
But now, all that is going to change. Now, he was free to live life as he pleased. Maybe, he would even go after the Ra'zac(s) that have been told to find the other Rider. It would be the fastest way to find him/her. Maybe Percy would even go with him, though Murtagh doubted his mother would let him. The boy was only twelve after all. Murtagh shook his head at the thought of Percy fighting side by side with him, each defeating all the monsters in their line of sight. But now the boy would have a weapon, and Murtagh could use the time to train him. He somehow doubted that the boy knew how to use a weapon.
Turning to face the man to the side of him, Murtagh leaned over to help Tornac into the saddle of the filly. She did not shy away like most did, but rather stood as still as she could, holding her breath and waiting for the time to go.
"Hello, good friend!" Tornac whispered with excitement in his voice, leaning over to talk with Murtagh. The man was always was optimistic. Mentally shaking his head, Murtagh replied to his greeting. Since when did he use words like optimistic? Since never, he reminded himself, he never used words that those before, why should he start now?
"Hello, back! How are you feeling? Are you up to a very long journey?" Murtagh replied, trying, and failing mind you, to fill his voice with enough happiness to match the elder. But all he really wanted was to stress how long the journey would be. Murtagh's words did not deter the elder man, however. He just grinned in reply, and sat back in the saddle, closing his eyes in enjoyment. Nothing was going to stop him, no sir-ee, they won't. Murtagh again shook his head. He seemed to be doing this a lot.
"'m good, rested and well fed. The King's men in the castle sure do feed a man good, when asked that is. I was just dosing off 'bout an hour ago. Feel like a new man, now. We should head soon before we are spotted, or reported missing." Murtagh agreed, and the two men turned their horses to face the unknown.
It was one or two minutes later that they passed the outer shell of the wall. The gates themselves were about two minutes in width, so heavy and strong that is was Shruikan had to close and open them at the points that were needed. But somehow, they were still open, but Murtagh had no idea why. They weren't opened until about six, or seven in the morning. It was about four now. Murtagh knew this because the guards were changing, which they did every fourth hour. It was nice to know some things that would help them.
Murtagh knew they were almost free. All that was needed was for them to hide in shadows 'till the guards were turned away. At this point, they would have about four minutes to get out of sight, or at least shooting range. And they needed to go north. Murtagh and Tornac needed to time this perfectly. One false move, one of the smallest stumbles, and they would escape for nothing.
Because of this, Murtagh had told Percy and Sally that if he did not turn up in two days, no telling how long he would be once he had Tornac, that they were to go without him. He hopped they would listen, and not try to find him, but with Percy's 'Hero Complex', there was no telling what would happen.
Murtagh grinned when he pictured Percy, standing in the door way of his new, blackened cell with water squirting all around him. It would be comical! A twelve year old beating hundreds of stronger figures by himself. Murtagh almost chuckled at that, almost is the key word.
Sudden shouts grabbed Murtagh from his thoughts. They had been spotted! No, NO, NO! Just two more minutes and they would be out of range. But Tornac was unable to go faster than a walk in his old age. Maybe a fast-walk? Percy had mentioned something like that when they had been talking earlier that day. He gently clicked to both horses, asking them to walk faster. They quickly complied, speeding their walking as one.
Just one minute, and a half left, then they would be safe. Why did time have to go so slow? Why couldn't it just speed up, just this once? Murtagh looked back, but moved his head and mount to the side as the first volley of arrows made their way towards them. Even form this distance, the four mammals could hear the twangs, twangs of the bows as their objects were released.
Again, he clicked to the horses, urging them to speed up slightly. Just one more minute! Surely, Surely they could make it! One more minute! Beside him, Murtagh heard a grunt of pain. Tornac was the only name on his mind. The man almost keeled over the side, the arrow sticking out of his upper arm. Even this minor wound could certainly kill the man. He had to get him to safety, to Percy and Sally. He knew they could save him.
In one fluid motion, Murtagh heaved the gasping man in front of him, using his own arms to secure the man in the saddle. Looking behind him, Murtagh saw the arrows start to fall short meaning they were out of range. They were safe! They were free!
If he had not been holding a dying man and sitting on his colt, Murtagh would have jumped for joy. He was free of the King! Another sound of pain from in front of him brought Murtagh back to the present. He needed the get Tornac to safety, because even though he was free of the King, Tornac was not free of infection, or other things that came with open wounds.
It seemed like hours before Murtagh and the two equine saw the campfire. Upon closer inspection, he realized Sally, Percy, and what appeared to be River were fast asleep. Whistling just loud enough to wake them, but not enough to spook the horses, Murtagh approached the Trio. Percy was in the middle, with River on one side and Sally on the other. Together, by and Dragon seemed so peaceful, seemed so young.
Percy was the first to wake. He lifted his head a little, then higher and higher still as he saw Murtagh. Tornac was still draped across the saddle in front of him, his blackish hair falling in his eyes. The man had stopped moving about an hour ago, but Murtagh had taken it to mean he was asleep. His breathing became almost nonexistent over the rest of the time.
When he saw Percy bend over, and the worried look on his face, Murtagh knew what had happened. Tornac had not fallen asleep. The wound, so small compare to what Murtagh had had over the years, had killed him. A silent tear raced down his face, then another, and another still. But Murtagh tried not to show weakness to the younger boy. Without a word, Murtagh got off the saddle, Percy helping to get the man off his lap, and together, they turned to start the grave. Even though Percy had not known the man, tears were also dancing out of his eyes.
If Murtagh had risked his life for this man, then he must be a good. No one would do what he did in order to save a stranger...
An: Whew! 2,149 words for that chapter! It was almost as long as chapter one. So, how did you like it? Not my best work, as I have not been through it. I was just too excited to post. (I say post and update, just so you know. Same thing.). I mean seven reviews for chapter two! It made me so pleased with myself; and so happy with you.
I could have waited 'til Christmas, but as said before, I was too excited. Ever noticed that 'to' is like never used? It is always 'too'. Wonder why.
Anywho, (Hehe, funny word!) keep those reviews coming! I actually got, like more reviews than anything else this time, so that also made me happy. Not sure when I will update again, I just work on a chapter whenever I feel like it, but as said before, I update faster with reviews.
Now, I have a question for you guys. I am working on a Chaos story, but this one is a Xover. It will also be a series, but for the OCs, I do not want to make my own characters. I already have a few OCs, but do not want to make anymore. I may even use one or two in this story, if needed. I want five or six demigods to come in, but can only think of two or three.
So, the form is:
Name: First and last
Age: Any
Parent: Any Greek or Roman
Greek or Roman: You decide which
Division: Chaos, Shifting, Shadow, Water, one more, what was it? Oh, yeah, Fire!
Weapon: Any weapon, name metal, and any powers
Magical Items: Any besides one already made
Personality: Try to be specific
Fatal Flaw: What might cause their death
Appearance: Again, specific
Powers: Along with Parent
Home: Parents, camp Jupiter or Half-blood. If Jupiter, what Cohart.
Height: Any
Disabilities: Ex. Half blind for one of mine, AdhD, Dyslexia
Hair: Any
Eyes: any
Detailed Biography: Please just a basic, but enough details that I may know their past.
Anything that is any, please make them go along with their parent. Also, I may not do their personality the way you want it. If needed, I may ask you for advice on what they would do in this situation.
Now that that is out of the way, I do not own any characters mentioned above in Chap. I also know that they are OOC, but it is AU big time, so there's my justification. Anyway, when should I have them meet Eragon? I was thinking just after he recovers and meets Brom to go with him, or when Murtagh does. I kinda want Brom to be suspicious of Percy. That would be funny, but it is your decision. Sorry for the long An. I do everything at the bottom. Don't know why.
Time for review replies:
First to Bored Kid: I like your choice of name, El Lobo. Wolves are my all-time fav animal. My sister saw a shirt last night with one on the front; let's just say that has not lived it down yet. Also, to answer your questions, Percy does have all his powers as he is still a demigod. But as for the second part, you will have to wait to find out. I have something very funny in mind. One hint, how will Annabeth and the others get to Alagaƫsia?
To everyone else who reviewed, as I can't really reply to you, just wanted to say thanx for the reviews. Won't name names here. I've kept ya too long. Anywho, see ya next chap. Any questions, ask in a review.
Minilopsided
Total: 2,762
Chapter: 2,149
AN: 613
